Latest information on new mandatory registration requirements for bird keepers
New measures for all bird keepers to officially register their birds regardless of the size of their flock were announced on 19 March 2024.
Currently, only keepers with more than 50 birds are required to register their flocks. The changes announced will mandate all keepers, regardless of flock size, to officially register their birds before the deadline of the 1st of October in Wales
(and England) with Scottish keepers having to register prior to the 1st of September 2024. Keepers will also be legally required to update their information on an annual basis.
The regulations extend to poultry species including chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeons (bred for meat), partridge, ratites, guinea fowl and pheasants. However, pet birds such as budgies, parrots and similar species that are housed within dwellings with no outside access are exempt from the new registration requirements.
By registering, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will be able to contact keepers if there’s a disease outbreak (such as bird flu or Newcastle Disease) in their area. Improving communication and ensuring keepers receive important updates on disease outbreaks and information on biosecurity rules will help protect flocks from future disease outbreaks, which in turn will assist in monitoring the control and spread of notifiable avian diseases in Wales and across GB.
Keepers can voluntarily register flocks or other captive birds, including any kept as pets ahead of the 1st of October 2024 by;
- Calling the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on 03000 200 301 and apply over the phone
- By using the online Register as a keeper of less than 50 poultry or other captive birds service
- By returning their completed IRA81 or IRA82 forms (linked below) by email or post:
Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
Cardiff Customer Service Centre
Cromlin West
Cardiff Edge Business Park
Longwood Drive
Whitchurch
Cardiff
CF14 7YU
Application forms can be found on the Poultry and other captive birds: registration rules and forms website or below: